To take a bath in a hot spring (Onsen), is one of the most
popular things to do in Japan. Since Japan lies in a region
where several continental plates meet, the number of them
is very large. It is also believed to have natural healing
power, because of the rich minerals in the water.

Temples
are the building for Buddhism, such as Hondo, and you
can often see monks and nuns performing services, practices
etc. Most municipalities have at least one temple, but
places like Kyoto, have several of them. It is still used
as monasteries. You can also see sacred Buddhist objects.

Shrines
are the dwellings of the Kami (the Shinto "Gods"),
and also the place to worship them. Most of their sacred
objects are stored inside the shrine, where you cannot see.
Some great mans souls, who served for the country, Imperial
Family, are often honored as Kami.

During
the era of the warring states (Sengoku Jidai), Japan had
dozens of small states fighting each other, and the need
for castles arouse for defense. After reunification, many
large castles were built to symbolize the rulers power.
Many were destroyed as unwelcome relicts of the feudal past,
and reconstructed over the past dacades as cultural assets.

There
are few villages beautifully preserved even from the Edo
Period in Japan. With its thatch-roofed farmhouses, wooden
building etc, we can promise you that you can experience
and enjoy the same wonderful sceneries as the Samurais did.

In
Japan, there is a word "Nihon Sankei" (The three
most scenic places) These days, there is also "Shin
Nihon Sankei" (The new three most scenic places) Japanese
people have been designating the best and beautiful places,
events etc. "Nihon Sankei" is probably the most
famous among the many designations.

Japanese
Gardens are well known, and also been an important art for
a long time. They are normally categorized into three. Tsukiyama,
a miniature reproduction of natural scenery. Karesansui,
reproduction in a more abstract way by mainly using stones,
sand, and often used for meditation. Chaniwa, designed to
enrich tea ceremony.

There
are 11 places listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan.
Most of them are temples and ancient cities. You could see
that a lot of them are list above. All of them are popular
cities to visit, and we are proud to introduce them to you.